How to Live in the Philippines with No Money

‘How to live in the Philippines with no money' might seem like a ridiculous title for an article, but it's something that people are searching for on Google almost every day.

From time to time, I take a look at the statistics for this site and like to see how people are finding us. Most of the search terms are pretty obvious and are not too surprising, but when I see something as crazy as this one, I have to sit up and take notice.

The idea that somebody thinks that they can live ANYWHERE in the world for no money is just insane.

Yes, the Philippines is relatively cheap when compared to most western countries, but it is certainly not free. In fact, there are a few things that are more expensive over here.

The one that comes to mind right away is the cost of a car.

When I was living in Hawaii and just wanted an old beater, to cruise around the island, I could pick one up for less than $500.

It didn't' look like much, but it was reliable and served a purpose. I could strap my board to the roof and get to the beach, which was all I wanted to do.

I can't recall ever seeing a secondhand car in the Philippines for less than $1000, though I have noticed car prices going down lately. I don't tend to follow the automobile market on a regular basis, so if you're reading this and know different, please post a comment below.

Cost of Living in the Philippines

It's difficult to say exactly how much it will cost you to live in the Philippines because each situation will be different.

As a rough guide though I'd say a single guy could live over here quite comfortably for between $1000-$1500. If you wanted to live a more extravagant lifestyle, then you'll obviously need a lot more.

If you're trying to provide for you and your family then again, you'll require more money. I don't have a family so can't give an exact cost.

If you don't have a pension or some other means of getting money, then you'll need significant savings.

There's no social system for down on their luck foreigners over here, and if you ever had the gall to inquire, you'd get laughed off the island.

Stranded in the Philippines

Being stranded in the Philippines with no money is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. There are no agencies that will take pity on you, and you'll most likely get zero help from your embassy.

If you're lucky, they might let you use their phone for free to call a family member or friend and beg for money.

I've seen foreigners being so down on their luck that they had to open up a Go Fund Me page and plead for donations. It's a sad state of affairs and not a position you would ever want to find yourself.

Conclusion

The idea that a person can live anywhere in the world for free is crazy, and no sane person would suggest otherwise.

You'll need funds to live in the Philippines and a way to replenish them when they get low. Whether that's a pension, investment, business or some other money making venture, you'll need a constant stream of cash.

Also, remember that making money over here is possible, but the kind of returns you'll get are much lower than what you're probably used to. There's plenty of competition from locals, and you'll find it hard to compete unless you have some skill or service that can not be easily served by a natural-born Filipino.

Do you have experience of prices in the Philippines? Is it cheaper or are there some things that are more expensive than back in the west? Leave a comment below and let us know.

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I hope it is okay for me to comment even though I do not live in the Philippines, but I have visited there seven times and my wife is a Filipina. I have observed the prices, and though I do not know as much as someone living there, I can comment on some items. Electronics are more expensive in the Philippines, even though Japan is a lot closer to the Philippines than it is to the U.S. Some foods are surprisingly more expensive in the Philippines, and gasoline for sure is more expensive there. JollyBee is not cheap, either. Electricity… Read more »

Adrian, yes, it is a common thing, I am sure, for a “rich” foreigner to buy food for the family. We are rich by comparison with Filipinos, but of course when we come back home to the U.S. we are a bit lower than average financially. Since prices are cheaper in the Philippines I have always been happy to help the family every time we visit. I read one blog many years ago about a man who moved to the Philippines, and he set up boundaries to his wife’s family. He would help them with their needs but not their… Read more »

When it comes to “helping the family” we do it to the tune of at least $1200 a month in food, medicine and paying a loan on their house that they defaulted on. They (her parents) used to be upper middle class, but a downturn in the sugar industry, some medical issues and lack of business diversification lowered their income greatly. Lack of any real safety net doesn’t help either. It’s sometimes been a real strain on us financially, but we do it out of love and just trying to be good people. When we’re that age early 80s), though,… Read more »

Hi I lived in Negroes Occidental for 5 years and Marakina for 5 .The trick to living in any foreign country is to live like a local. Learn the language, and customs. Filipinos are very friendly and caring .But to understand that being showy,rude ,will get you in to trouble. Your dress and flash can make you a target. Even here in the US you have the same problem. Don’t go out with out knowing where your going.Living in the Philippines can be comfortable and enjoyable. Do always have a backup plan.You can stay 30 days with out a visa… Read more »

Nice article.I am planning to retire in PI.prices are a lot cheaper than US,except electronics and gas also cars.but food and housing, clothing etc.. is cheap.you just have to know where to buy and not compete with the joneses you will survive comfortably.

Nicholas – Glad you liked the article and I totally agree with you. I’ve never been one to care about ‘competing with the Joneses’ but I have to admit, there is a few creature comforts that I just have to have. Not necessities by any means but there just things I like.

Supermarket food is not particularly cheap. Best to buy from markets. Coffee – instant and fresh ground is very expensive. I always bring a stash with me from the UK. Electricity is very expensive. Bottled gas is cheap. As is my water bill. As other people have said – electrical goods (especially computers and accessories) are stupidly expensive. Take a holiday to HK and fill up your suitcase with what you need.

Kevan – Thanks for your comments. You’ve hit the nail on the head with some of the things that are expensive over here. As one of the other guys pointed out, electricity is also expensive over here. Thankfully I don’t like AC so that’s not a huge drain but one of my friends has his on all the time and his electricity bill is CRAZY!!!

Thank you Steve Fleming for the article and the strong comments it produced. I am as close to becoming an Expat as a person can get. We are in the process of selling our California home where we reside. I need to find a container to ship our stuff to western Leyte. My wife of 35 years is from Baybay City. We recently purchased property (no home), and we will stay with her Family while we build. I’m not sure how much it will cost to mail letters to the US, or how will we get her high blood pressure… Read more »

Jay – Thanks for your comment. I’ve read it over a few times and I’m sorry to say, I can’t really offer much help I’m afraid. Most of the things you mention aren’t things I’ve had many experiences of in the 12 years I’ve been here. Guns, Kayaking, Farming… the one thing I can maybe give some help on is dogs. I’ve had a few over here and currently have a Doberman. She’s getting pretty old now and I think her time is almost up. I have a friend over here who runs a great dog breeding and training center.… Read more »

Keith – I’ve had both good and bad experiences with the people over here but generally I’d have to agree with you. For the most part, people are polite and friendly but they do have a hot temper and are very proud. My British sarcasm didn’t go down too well with some people when I first got here… I’ve toned it down a LOT over the years and don’t have too many issues these days.

I am planning to retire in about 2 years and will live in Bolinao Pangasinan. I too wonder about getting my prescriptions and how much they may cost. We already own a house so there will only be upkeep and utilities to worry about. I plan to buy a car which will bring some expense but much needed pleasure. For food I agree that if you eat local you can eat cheap. If you plan to eat western food I think that could weigh heavily on a budget. My plan to mix them and try to lean towards local. I… Read more »

Randy – I can’t speak to prescriptions as I’m still relatively young and in good health… touch wood. Your funds should be more than OK but if health is an issue I’d suggest having a nest egg of some kind, just in case.

I bought a health plan when I first came here but again, thankfully I’ve never had to avail of it yet. It’s supposed to be good though so only time will tell.

Hello Randy, you can live quite nicely on that sum in the Philippines. Even though you own your own house there you will need to pay utilities, and electricity there is quite expensive. You will find that local food is quite good, and after a while you will stop missing western food, which is pretty unhealthy for the most part. The best way to handle your money is to have your Social Security checks deposited in Citi Bank because that bank has branches in the Philippines so you will not need to pay expensive transfer fees. And as you may… Read more »

Bob, thanks for the advice. As I’m sure you know, when you are married to a Filipina she is the family banker. I have no money… hehe

I’ll check into the Citibank option. Actually, I live in China now due to my work and did try to set up a Citibank account for transfers but it did not go well. I’m from the Toledo area and the closest actual bank was Chicago so I was trying to do the task over the internet and phone. I will do some more research.

Ken…while the people there are, generally nice, there are a lot of thieves just waiting for an opportunity. I’ve been in a Jeepney with a passenger, a Filipina, that had her cell phone ripped out of her hand by a guy passing by on a bicycle. When I was kid, we lived in the PI….my brother and I were in the car when a couple of kids came up and ripped the mirror off from the parked car in front of us. So….take the advise given. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Don’t flash around any money. Keep some… Read more »

Great article. I always love visiting the PI (just got back from there 6 days ago, for my 7th trip there). Can’t wait to retire there and I agree with quite a few, try to eat the way the locals do, and as healthy as possible, much better lifestyle I feel. I have had past girlfriends who always say that the most important thing is to live there happily even without much money. I agree and disagree. I say be as comfortable as you want to be but be prepared and do your homework. I know I am learning each… Read more »